“Family First” Focus on Full Display at Maine Catholic Cemeteries; Immediate Need for Family Service Advisors in Biddeford and South Portland

BIDDEFORD---“It is so much a privileged position just to be able to share in the journey of the people who are grieving the loss of their loved one.”

The words of Jim Boulet, a family service advisor (FSA) at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Lewiston, are not only heartfelt and genuine, they are also echoed by all of the members of the Maine Catholic Cemeteries team. Multiple family service advisors serve at 11 cemeteries owned or managed by the Diocese of Portland. If you are burying a loved one or pre-planning your own funeral arrangements, they ensure your needs are being met.

“FSAs are an essential part of the family experience. Being mission focused is not only what defines us and sets Maine Catholic cemeteries apart, but it is what gives us clarity of purpose and vision,” says Jessica Letendre, director of Maine Catholic Cemeteries.

“A family service advisor walks the journey with the family at their time of need at the end of life for a loved one,” says Kenneth Greenleaf, who serves at six southern Maine cemeteries. “It’s what we call ‘Family First.’ In their time of need, when people might not be sure about their faith or have a clear understanding of what they should do, we are here to guide them.”

Currently, there are openings for two new family service advisors in South Portland and Biddeford.

“Having experience in sales is helpful, but more importantly, these are people who can serve families with care and compassion and guide them through the process of making informed decisions for advanced planning, products, and services,” said Letendre. “These are not volunteer positions. The diocese offers excellent compensation for motivated individuals, which includes a base salary plus commission as well as benefits including medical, dental, paid vacation and sick days, a 403(b), and a pension plan.”

FSAs say the experience is a fulfilling one that has allowed them to share God’s love and mercy with others in times of great need.

“People aren’t born with the inherent knowledge of what has to happen, and as Catholic cemeteries, we follow all the Catholic traditions and rituals,” said Robert LeBlanc, who serves at five cemeteries in Lewiston and Lisbon. “It’s just rewarding to me to be able to help these families.”

For more information or to inquire about being a family service advisor, contact Jessica at [email protected].